Field of Seams, a Payton Alum gives back

Class of 2011 Payton Alum, Matt Murphy is doing big things for Chicago's inner city youth baseball and softball players. Matt grew up playing baseball at the Chicago Park District parks since he was 6 years old, playing at Welles and Horner Park, as well as travel baseball on the south side of Chicago for the West Lawn Storm. While attending WPCP, Matt played baseball for the Grizzlies. Turning down the chance to play college ball, Matt pursued a degree in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

It is during his undergrad at IU that Matt came up with the business model for Field of Seams. Making bracelets from the seams of baseballs, Matt is selling the bracelets to donate all of his profit to the city wide initiative, Play Ball Chicago. He has teamed up with the Chicago Parks Foundation to raise money for the initiative, which benefits baseball and softball programs all over Chicago.

Matt's love for America's past time taught him the importance of team work and dedication, and now he wants to make sure every Chicago player has that same opportunity. Be sure to check out his website, www.fieldofseamschicago.com, like him on facebook, and pick up your own Field of Seams bracelet today!

Payton is proud to have an alum dedicated to giving back to the city and programs that gave him so much! Go Matt!